Chicago IL: Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly (CLESE) located at 53 West Jackson, Suite 1340 Chicago, IL 60604 held its Silver Jubilee celebration at White Eagle Banquets & Restaurant located at 6839 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714 on Tuesday September 30th, 2014 from 5:30 pm onwards amidst a large gathering of ethnic agencies serving the ethnic seniors, distinguished state officials from Department of Human Service (DHS) and the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) and elected members.

Marta Pereyra, Executive Director of CLESE welcomed everyone to this special celebration and recognized the dignitaries who graced the event. The evening began with Registration, Reception and Networking which was followed by Korean Dancers performing the Mask Dance.

A special highlight of the evening was the award presentation made to Dr. Ed Silverman. Dr. Silverman has been employed by the State of Illinois since 1973, retired in March of this year and is currently acting as a Consultant. He has actively participated in the development of program and policy at the federal level and contributed to the drafting of the Refugee Act of 1980. He has received no. of Awards from the Federal Government, the United Nations High Commissioner, DHHS, American Society of Public Administration. His Guiding Principles are ‘That Refugees need Refuge, a place to heal, to come together,, to grow, prosper and thrive, all while recognizing in each struggling community their unique strengths; that immigrants have much to give, that cultural difference are to be recognized and celebrated and that we are stronger when we stand together.’ — Read More

CLESE – We are our 54 Members!

CLESE incorporated in 1989. Our founding members served as an early advisory council to the Chicago Department on Aging’s ethnic elderly needs assessment in 1987. CLESE continues improving the lives of Limited English Speaking Elderly with advocacy, leadership and education. CLESE continues to grow and serve a larger community in 2014!